New report reveals greatest gripes in London

A new report has shown how the majority of London commuters are most worried about overcrowding and frustrated by busy journeys getting worse.

London commuters are left “travelling like cattle” in packed conditions, with overcrowding seen as the biggest problem for public transport in the Capital.

A poll of travel gripes found 53% of Londoners are most frustrated by busy journeys. Another 38% think travel is too hot, and 24% resent high costs, according to research by the London Assembly’s transport committee.

The Capital’s population continues to grow – there are currently 9.1million people living in the city, with that figure expected to rise to over 10million by 2035, adding to transport congestion.

Florence Eshalomi, chair of the transport committee, said quality of journeys was just as important as getting Londoners from A to B.

She said: “Our research shows that the transport system is already struggling to cope with the number of people in London today.

“It is not enough to have a network that can take Londoners across this large city. Residents do not deserve to feel as if they are travelling like cattle in packed buses and train carriages.

“Transport for London and the Mayor must bear in mind all the factors that contribute to a good and reliable public transport service for any new, as well as existing, transport projects.”

Commuters in the outer boroughs were just as concerned about overcrowding as those in inner London, according to the poll. But younger people were more worried about the cost of travel than older residents – nearly a third of 18-24 year olds said it was their most significant problem, compared to just 23% of 50-64 year olds.

Four per cent of over 65s said price was their biggest complaint – even though all residents aged over 60 are eligible for free travel in London. When asked what would encourage them to use public transport more frequently, price was the single biggest factor – almost a third of people said they would travel more if it cost less.

Safety was also a significant concern – 13% of residents said they’d be more likely to use public transport if they felt more secure.

Access to a greater range of routes and more reliable service were also big motivators – though a third of people said nothing would change the way they travelled. A spokesperson for the Mayor said numerous projects were increasing capacity on London’s public transport system.

She said: “Sadiq is freezing all TfL fares for four years and has introduced the Hopper bus fare, despite huge government cuts to TfL.

“At the same time he is investing record amounts in modernising and increasing capacity on London’s Tube network. ”